The problem
Glaval is recalling certain model year 2002, 2003, 2006, 2007, and 2008 ford e350/e450 universal, chevy/gmc 4500/5500 titan and freightliner mb-55 apollo transit buses manufactured from august 1999 through july 2007, and equipped with a trans/air ta73 evaporator. The evaporator utilizes a power resistor to regulate blower speed. Should a short occur in the "low or medium speed" circuit while the blower is in high speed, the short will cause the supply voltage to feedback through the resistor to ground, not drawing enough current to trip the fuse.
The risk
This would cause the resistor temperature to rise to a point where it will melt and possibly ignite the plastic blower housing to which it is mounted. The overheating can result in a fire.
The fix
Glaval in cooperation with trans air will install a thermal shutdown device in series with the speed resistors. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on december 23, 2010. Owners may contact trans air warranty and service center at 1-800-673-2446.
Contacts
Owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to <a href=http://www.Safercar.Gov>http://www.Safercar.Gov</a> .
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Glaval, Glaval Bus dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 10V618000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.